'The issue of Dalai Lama's succession is a thorn in relations with India', China gave a sharp statement before Jaishankar's visit

Ahead of the visit of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi stated on Sunday that the succession of Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama is a 'thorn' to China-India relations. Calling the question an internal issue, it stated that the Tibet question is why there is tension in bilateral relations.

But India and its position to stay neutral on matters involving religion and faith are already set. Jaishankar will participate in a regional security forum under the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Tianjin, North China on July 15 and in the process, open bilateral talks.

This is his first visit to China after the border military clash during the year 2020. At least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers were killed in this conflict. After this bilateral relations deteriorated.

However, last month, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also held talks with his Chinese counterpart on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Defense Ministers' meeting. Chinese Embassy spokesman Yu Jing said in the ex-post without naming anyone, "Some people in the strategic and academic communities in India have made inappropriate comments on the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. As foreign affairs professionals, they should be fully aware of the sensitivity of issues related to Xizang.''

Using the Chinese name 'Xizang' for Tibet, Yu said, "The reincarnation and succession of the Dalai Lama is naturally an internal matter of China. The issue related to Xizang has become a thorn in China-India relations and a burden for India. Playing the 'Shizang card' would definitely be like shooting oneself in the foot.''

It is worth noting that Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju had said during the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebrations that as a Buddhist follower, he believes that only the spiritual leader and his office have the right to decide on his reincarnation.

India's Foreign Ministry had said on July 4, two days before the Dalai Lama's birthday, that New Delhi does not take any stand or comment on matters related to beliefs and practices of faith and religion.

Before his birthday celebrations, the Dalai Lama angered China again by saying that it has no role in the selection of his successor. But, China says that the Dalai Lama's succession will have to take its approval.